Wassenaar Arrangement was established to contribute to regional and international security and stability.
It aims to promote transparency and greater responsibility in transfer of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies.
It has 42 member states (India is 42nd member) and was established in 1996 as an extension of Coordination committee for Multilateral export Controls (COCOM).
The participating states ensure that transfer of materials do not contribute to the development or enhancement of military capabilities.
India is recently admitted as a member of the Wassenaar Arrangement.
Every six months member countries of WA exchange information on deliveries of conventional arms to non-WA members that fall under eight broad weapons categories. These categories include battle tanks, military helicopters, armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs), military aircraft, large-calibre artillery, warships, missiles or missile systems, and small arms and light weapons.